History of Earth Day
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Earth Day was established by Gaylord Nelson in the year 1970. Nelson was a senator from Wisconsin during that time, and he had stumbled upon the idea in September 1969, while suggesting a national day to teach about the environment so that people would become aware about the environment and related issues.
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Nelson's plan was an immediate hit, since till then there were no real worries expressed about the environment and our impact on it. As a matter of fact, something as drastic as air pollution was used to be considered the 'smell of prosperity'. The first Erath Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Even though a new concept, Americans warmed up to the idea, and 20 million people took part in protests, rallies and demonstrations that were held throughout the country. So strong was the impact of the first Earth Day that it was instrumental is helping the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act getting passed. That Earth Day was also responsible for the formation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This environmental cause was supported by millions of people, who were united for one common cause -- to save the Earth.
Since the first time it was celebrated, Earth Day has today grown by leaps and bounds. The year 1990 saw two hundred million people spread across hundred and forty-one countries across the world participate and show solidarity towards the cause, while around one billion people took part in the festivities on Earth Day in 2007. April 22, 2010 is the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day, and the cause is only getting stronger by the year.
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